Bettini auction for cancer research

Olympic Champion Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) is to auction a painting by Giò Di Batte of his Athens win for charity. Bettini, who is currently leading the points and the Intergiro competitions in the Giro d'Italia, is holding the auction in conjunction with La Gazzetta dello Sport and the Istituto Europeo di Oncologia di Milano (European Institute of Oncology, Milan), which will benefit from the fundraiser.

"The association with the European Institute of Oncology started last winter when I was contacted by them to auction one of my bikes for charity," said Bettini. "I was really impressed with how enthusiastic and trained the staff of the Institute were - we ended up raising a substantial amount of money for their research. Since then we have created a very strong and close connection working together to raise money for their noble research.

When the painter Giò Di Batte gave me his painting featuring myself I decided that this would be an ideal opportunity to raise more money for the Institute’s cancer research. I believe we professional athletes have an important rôle in society with regard to public opinion - that of making people aware of some of the troubles in today’s World. I believe this is our greatest victory ever."

To take part in the auction, go to www.ebay.it and type in the words "quadro Bettini" into the search engine. Alternatively you can click on this link and you will be taken directly to the page.